On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sanctioned an immediate allocation of Rs23 billion to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following recent regional clashes and protests.
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), representing local traders, demands electricity pricing based on hydropower generation costs, subsidized wheat flour, and removing elite privileges in AJK.
Tensions escalated on May 9 and 10 when police arrested approximately 70 activists to thwart a JAAC-planned march. This led to severe clashes in Dadyal and a widespread “shutter-down strike.”
Further conflicts occurred on Friday in Muzaffarabad, intensifying the next day across AJK during another strike. These clashes resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to over 90 others.
Read: Paiya Jam Harta in Azad Kashmir Prompt Security Measures and Service Suspensions
On Sunday, despite initial calm, the protest movement marched towards Muzaffarabad after failed negotiations between the JAAC and AJK Chief Secretary Dawood Bareach in Rawalakot. A protest leader accused the government of using diversionary tactics.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz urged restraint and dialogue to address the protesters’ legitimate demands.
Read: President Zardari and PM Sharif Intervene to Quell Unrest in AJK Amid Economic Protests
Due to the unrest, the government declared a shutdown of offices and schools today.
Prime Minister Sharif led a critical meeting in Islamabad with AJK PM Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, local ministers, and top political figures. The meeting, which included federal ministers and coalition party leaders, focused on reviewing the crisis.
Participants commended Prime Minister Shehbaz for his decisive financial support, as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) noted.
